The ABC of men’s formal attire: What to wear for different occasions?

Men’s formal wear is significantly different from women’s, as different attire can represent very different occasions. What’s the most appropriate suit to wear to a wedding or a corporate event? What about a high-profile gala? In this article, we will guide you through some of the most popular types of formal attire and their most common applications. 

Tuxedo

A tuxedo is often known as the epitome of formal wear, usually associated with black-tie events. The classic version of this suit is black and has satin lapels. You typically wear it with a black bow tie and a white formal shirt. The jacket tends to be single-breasted or double-breasted, but the designs can vary depending on the style. To complete the whole look, you can pair your tuxedo with leather shoes and some elegant accessories, like cuff links. Tuxedos are most often seen in the world of Hollywood, worn by film stars on the red carpet. However, it’s a perfectly acceptable choice for formal events like weddings and galas. 

Single breasted suit

The single breasted suit is known as one of the most timeless and versatile types of formal wear. It has a single row of buttons at the front of the jacket, making it a bit more casual than double breasted suits. However, it is still perfectly smart for formal dinners and business meetings. They also come in a variety of types and colours, with the most popular being navy blue or charcoal grey, worn with a white shirt and a tie. A single breasted suit is a must-have in any man’s closet, as it can be dressed up or down according to the occasion.

Double breasted suit

A double breasted suit has two parallel columns with rows of buttons, which overlap at the front. This suit is also a classic choice for formal occasions, however, it provides more structure and sophistication than the single breasted version of the suit. This formal attire is most usually worn in formal business environments or events, where sophistication is of essence. To create a professional, polished look, wear your double breasted suit with dress shoes and a smart tie. 

White tie attire

White tie is considered to be the most formal dress code, usually reserved for high-profile events only. You would typically see white tie attire in royal banquets or state dinners. The outfit involves of a black tailcoat, a white shirt, a white waistcoat, and a white bow tie. The look is completed with leather shoes and matching black trousers, with optional accessories like white pocket squares and even white gloves. White tie attire is truly special, and so most of us never get the occasion to wear it.

Business formal attire

If you work in a professional environment, where you have to attend regular corporate meetings or boardrooms, a business formal attire is the way to go. There are no hard rules regarding this attire, however, it usually includes a well-fitted suit, a smart shirt, and dress shoes. In more formal settings, a tie may be worn, while in less formal environments, some businessmen even pair their suit with trendy sneakers. Either way, this style is versatile and can be adapted depending on the situation.

From the classic tuxedo to the versatile single breasted suit, each of these styles have their own place and occasion. Knowing when each of them is appropriate will make dressing for formal occasions much easier!

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